03 Aug 2025 School of Nursing ribbon cutting heralds bright future

Posted at 1:51 PMh in News by

The Arkansas Health Care Association (AHCA) opened the first-of-its-kind initiative in the United States with the opening of its School of Nursing on June 18 in Little Rock.

With locations in Little Rock, Rogers and Jonesboro, the school will help fill the critical gap in LPN staffing within nursing facilities in Arkansas. The program creates a structured career advancement path for staff within member facilities of AHCA.

It has developed a pathway for nursing and medical assistants at long term care facilities to become licensed practical nurses. This allows existing employees the education they need and want to advance in their careers.

FRONT: Charles Bullock (from left),Michael Mathis III and Bryan Robinson. BACK: Michael Mathis Jr.

Approximately 75 dignitaries and students attended the celebration as they gathered in the downtown Little Rock facility, which will host the central Arkansas cohort of LPN students who will be working toward earning advanced nursing licenses.

Cat Hamilton (from left), VP of AHCA School of Nursing, and Dana Butler, chief nursing officer for The Springs Arkansas.

Speakers included Rachel Bunch, President of AHCA School of Nursing; Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge; Rep. Brian Evans, Arkansas House Speaker; Sen. Bart Hester, Arkansas Senate President Pro Tempore; Cody Waits, Director of Arkansas Workforce Connections; Stephanie Isaacs, Director of Arkansas Office of Skills Development; Dr. Chris Lorch, Ozarka College Provost; Attendees: a representative from Senator Tom Cotton’s office; Representative from Senator John Boozman’s office; students of the inaugural class; and state legislators.